'Reckless' motorist sentenced for failing to stop at the scene of Reading collision
Matthew Haylett left a child seriously injured
Last updated 29th May 2026
A man has been jailed after failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision and committing a number of other motoring offences in Reading.
Matthew Haylett, aged 33, of Shinfield Rise, Reading, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to two years and four months in prison.
He was also disqualified from driving for three years and eight months and must complete an extended re-test before regaining his licence.
In an earlier hearing at the same court, Haylett had pleaded guilty to one count each of:
Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
Failing to stop for police
Failing to stop at the scene of a road traffic collision
Failing to report an accident
Driving without insurance
These offences relate to a serious road traffic collision in Rushey Way on Thursday 27 February, in which a four-year-old child was injured. The child has since been discharged from hospital and is continuing to recover.
Reckless
Investigating officer Detective Constable Ben Eastment, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was a reckless and irresponsible course of driving which resulted in a child being seriously injured.
“Matthew Haylett not only drove dangerously, but also failed to stop at the scene or report the collision, showing a complete disregard for both the law and the welfare of the victim.
“Following the incident, he did not immediately come forward, and officers carried out extensive enquiries to locate him before he later handed himself in.
“Driving offences of this nature have devastating consequences, and we will always pursue those who put others at risk on our roads.
“I hope this sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Our thoughts remain with the injured child and their family.”